Many jobs require people to spend long hours sitting every day, so it is vital that you have a chair that is comfortable and correctly supports your body. Office chairs are frequently advertised as ergonomic, and it can be challenging to determine which chairs actually provide the support you need. This buying guide highlights the features you should look out for, how to tell if a chair is right for you, and breaks down the differences between popular office chair styles.

Many jobs require people to spend long hours sitting every day, so it is vital that you have a chair that is comfortable and correctly supports your body. Office chairs are frequently advertised as ergonomic, and it can be challenging to determine which chairs actually provide the support you need. This buying guide highlights the features you should look out for, how to tell if a chair is right for you, and breaks down the differences between popular office chair styles.

Features to Look for in an Office Chair

When buying an office chair, there are certain features you should look out for. These elements help ensure your chair is the right fit for you, supports your body in a comfortable position, and is suited to your workstation. These features include:

Backrest and Lumbar Support

For a chair to be considered ergonomic, it should support your back sufficiently. Ergonomic chairs help keep the spine's naturally curved S-shape, making sure the muscles around the spine are supported. The main way this is achieved is through cushioning in the lumbar area.

However, for lumbar support to be effective, it must sit in the right spot on your back, which is why adjustable chairs are often the best option so you can set it up exactly how you need it. An adjustable backrest with tilt/rocking functions allows you to sit in various positions, from upright to semi-reclined- altering the pressure put on your spine.

Seat Height

Getting the right seat height is essential for comfortable sitting. People's heights vary significantly, so it's only natural that most office and gaming chairs have height-adjustable seats.

You should arrange your chair so that you can rest your feet flat on the floor. If they can't reach the floor without being too low for your desk, get a foot stand. You should also ensure that the backs of your thighs don't feel compressed, as this can reduce blood flow to your legs.

Seat Depth

The depth of your seat affects the way your back is supported and the blood flow to your legs. When you're sitting right at the back of the chair (getting proper lumbar support), the backs of your knees should not be pressed against the chair. An adjustable seat depth is a helpful feature for those who suffer from lower back pain.

Armrests

Armrests take the weight of your arms and the strain of your neck, shoulders, and spine, but only if they are at the right height. Choose a chair with adjustable armrests, both in height and width, for the best all-around fit. Your armrests shouldn't stop you from sitting close to your desk. If you need to sit at the front of the seat to reach your desk, you will lose lumbar support.

Seat material

The seat of your chair should be adequately padded so that it provides cushioning from the hard structure of the chair but also firm enough to provide support. Unless you have a mesh chair, the back and armrests should also be padded.
It is easy to get overheated while sitting on an office chair for long stretches of time. To avoid this, opt for a chair with permeable fabric to allow air to flow.

Swivel

Office chairs that swivel take pressure off your back because they allow you to reach for things without having to twist and turn your back. This is particularly important if you work at a curved desk, use multiple monitors, or frequently need to reach for things behind you.

Casters

When shopping for an office chair, consider the wheels you will need. Depending on whether you will use your chair on carpet, tile, hardwood, or other floor surfaces, different casters will be suitable. Don't worry if you change your flooring or move your chair; you can usually switch the casters instead of buying a new chair.

Office Chair Types Explained

There are several different types of office chairs, and finding the right one for you depends on your physical needs, your workstation, and how you plan to use the chair.  Some of the main styles are:

• Ergonomic chairs are focused on comfort and support and typically feature many adjustable parts so they can be adapted for the user, whatever their shape, size, or needs.
• Big and tall chairs are larger than average computer chairs in width and height, making them more comfortable for those with larger frames. They tend to have high weight capacities and, although they aren’t usually as adjustable as ergonomic chairs, they are focused on comfort.
• Drafting chairs and stools are higher than average office chairs. They are ideal for people who work at drafting or standing tables, such as architects. Their height makes it easier to switch to standing positions, and they often have a ring at the bottom for foot support.
• Gaming chairs are designed for long hours of gaming, so comfort is paramount, and they tend to have extended recline options, high backrests, and adjustable lumbar support. They also often sport bright colors and modern features such as LED lights, Bluetooth connectivity, and in-built speakers.
• Saddle seats offer great mobility and hence are favored by salon workers. The seat’s tilt means your legs rest at a wider hip to knee angle than conventional chairs that can echo natural posture and encourage blood flow.
• Kneeling chairs take pressure off your back as they allow it to rest in a more natural position. However, they place more strain on the shins and knees, so it is a good idea to get up regularly if you use these seats.

Find the Perfect Office Chair for You

Finding the right office chair for you can be a challenge, but if you know where you need support and the environment you will use it in, you can narrow down your options significantly. Instead of sifting through poor-quality gaming chairs on Amazon, visit OFXOffice.  At OFXOffice, we have a wide range of office chairs for all uses, from big and tall chairs to gaming chairs in our Puerto Rico showroom, alongside our wide range of high-quality office furniture. Peruse our website to find the perfect chair for you.

For more information go to ofxoffice.com